Which Texas Longhorns Transfer Will Make the Most Impact? We Rank the Top 3
As college football’s transfer portal continues to shake up rosters and create new opportunities, the Texas Longhorns have been one of the most active teams in adding key transfers to bolster their ranks. With several new faces joining the program in 2025, Texas fans are eager to see how these players will contribute to the team’s success, especially as the Longhorns aim to compete at the highest level in both the Big 12 and on the national stage.
Texas has made some high-profile additions through the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in players with the potential to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. While the future looks promising for several of these newcomers, here are the Top 3 Texas Longhorns transfers expected to have the most significant impact in the 2025 season.
1. Quarterback Hudson Card (from Purdue)
When it comes to college football, few positions are more important than quarterback. The Texas Longhorns are looking to make a big splash in 2025, and with the transfer of Hudson Card from Purdue, the quarterback position is poised to be one of the team’s strongest assets. Card, a former highly regarded recruit at Texas before transferring to Purdue, is expected to be the starter for the Longhorns in 2025, bringing both experience and raw talent to the position.
Why Hudson Card Will Make the Most Impact
After spending several seasons at Texas and then transferring to Purdue, Card’s experience in the Big 12 and with other top-tier programs gives him a unique advantage. He has had the opportunity to develop his skills under different coaching systems, and his time at Purdue helped him refine his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure. With the Longhorns’ offense in need of a consistent leader, Card is the ideal candidate to fill that role.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that the team’s success in 2025 will depend on having a dynamic and effective quarterback under center, and Card brings that ability. He has the tools to thrive in Sarkisian’s offense, which emphasizes explosive plays, quick passes, and using the quarterback’s athleticism as a weapon. Card’s ability to make accurate throws, especially in crucial situations, will be essential for Texas as they look to build a high-powered offense capable of competing for Big 12 titles and playoff spots.
What Makes Hudson Card Unique
Card’s mobility and arm strength make him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs opens up numerous possibilities for Texas. Whether it’s extending plays outside of the pocket or using his legs to scramble and create opportunities, Card’s athleticism will be a big asset for the Longhorns. His experience in high-pressure situations at Purdue also gives him the confidence needed to lead Texas in tough games.
Overall, Hudson Card is expected to make an immediate and significant impact as Texas’ quarterback, leading the offense and possibly putting up some of the most impressive numbers of his career.
2. Cornerback Jalen Catalon (from Arkansas)
On the defensive side of the ball, one of the most exciting transfers for Texas is Jalen Catalon, a star cornerback who transferred from Arkansas. Catalon, a former All-SEC defensive back, has earned a reputation as one of the most skilled playmakers in the secondary. He has been a key contributor for Arkansas for several seasons, and now, he’s joining the Longhorns to add even more depth and talent to their defensive backfield.
Why Jalen Catalon Will Make an Impact
Texas’ defense has always been one of the program’s strong suits, and with Jalen Catalon in the mix, it’s only going to get stronger. Known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, close quickly on receivers, and create turnovers, Catalon has the skill set that Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski will look to use to disrupt opposing offenses.
In addition to his ability to defend the pass, Catalon is also a physical presence in the run game. He’s not afraid to come down into the box and make big hits, making him a versatile defender who can play both the pass and run with equal effectiveness. His leadership and experience in the SEC will bring a wealth of knowledge and maturity to a Texas secondary that will be counted on to stop high-powered offenses in the Big 12 and beyond.
What Makes Jalen Catalon Unique
Catalon’s ability to anticipate plays and jump routes is one of the aspects of his game that sets him apart from other cornerbacks. His ball skills are elite, and he’s capable of coming up with game-changing interceptions at critical moments. As a proven leader in the secondary, Catalon’s impact will be felt immediately. Expect him to start and become one of the most influential defensive players on the team.
With his skill set, leadership, and experience, Jalen Catalon is expected to make an immediate and lasting impact for Texas, solidifying the Longhorns’ secondary and helping them compete against some of the best offenses in the country.
3. Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs (from Alabama)
While the quarterback position will undoubtedly get the most attention, Texas’ running back room has seen an exciting addition with Jahmyr Gibbs, who transferred from Alabama. Gibbs is one of the most dynamic running backs in the country, capable of both breaking off huge runs and contributing in the passing game. His versatility as a dual-threat back makes him a perfect fit for the Longhorns’ offense, and he’s expected to play a major role in Texas’ attack.
Why Jahmyr Gibbs Will Make an Impact
Jahmyr Gibbs brings a wealth of experience from his time at Alabama, where he became one of the top running backs in the country. His ability to excel both as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield will allow Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood to get creative with his play calling. Whether it’s handing him the ball on a traditional running play or utilizing him in the passing game as a receiving back, Gibbs’ versatility makes him a major weapon for the Longhorns.
Gibbs has shown that he can be a game-changer, capable of taking over a game with his speed and vision. He possesses the ability to break long runs and is a consistent threat to score whenever he touches the ball. In Texas’ high-powered offense, having a running back like Gibbs who can stretch the field and open up space for the passing game is invaluable.
What Makes Jahmyr Gibbs Unique
What sets Gibbs apart from many other running backs is his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His agility and quickness are elite, and his vision allows him to find running lanes that other backs might miss. Additionally, Gibbs is a threat as a receiving option out of the backfield, providing Texas with another weapon in their arsenal. His ability to change the pace of the game and keep defenses off balance makes him one of the most exciting transfers for the Longhorns.
As a versatile and dangerous playmaker, Jahmyr Gibbs will have a significant impact on the Texas offense in 2025. Whether he’s taking handoffs or catching passes, Gibbs’ presence will create headaches for opposing defenses.